Keynote Speaker, Jonathan Zierdt, Greater Mankato Growth

We Proudly Salute

For their outstanding service and dedication to improving life in Mankato through their vocational and voluntary endeavors.

Mike KarpBlethen, Gage & Krause

Michael Karp has 37 years of legal experience and is a senior partner at the law firm of Blethen, Gage, and Krause. His clients regularly seek his advice regarding entity formation, structure and business continuity planning, documenting complex business and real estate transactions, and related financing arrangements.

Michael married Julie Pettipiece in 1978. In 1981, they made Mankato their home. Their 3 Eagle Scout sons have diverse careers: Tyler (Computer Science/Engineering, Esterline Avista); Benjamin (Landscape Architecture, Ramsey County Parks); and Jonathan (Millwright, Packing Corporation of America). Their daughter, Elizabeth is an attorney practicing with the Office of the Hennepin County Public Defender.

Michael earned his bachelor’s degree at Bemidji State University; his accounting degree at MSU-Mankato; his law degree at Oklahoma City University; and studied international law at the Hague Academy of International Law, The Hague, Netherland. He is a CPA (inactive) and is certified as a Real Property Law Specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association.

Michael’s service as an adult volunteer for Twin Valley Council began in 1990. He enjoyed his time as Cubmaster of Pack 111 and as an adult leader of a Philmont crew and numerous high adventure canoe trips into the BWCAW and the Quetico. His was elected to the Executive Board in 1998, and served as Council President from 2005-07. He is a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, and was instrumental in guiding the Council in its negotiations with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, completing several sales of conservation easements, which protected Camp Cuyuna for the enjoyment of future generations, eliminated Council debt, provided funding for significant improvements at our 3 camp properties, and added over $2 million to the Council’s endowment fund. Michael also lends his time for the Mankato Area Foundation and Lake Washington Club, Inc.

Brian MaciejLime Valley Advertising

Brian has more than 30 years of experience in the marketing, communications and design technology industry. He first earned an Associate of Arts degree from Hibbing Community College, Hibbing, MN, and then a bachelor’s degree in design technology from Bemidji State University. He also studied at the University of Winnipeg.

Brian is president of Lime Valley Advertising, Inc., Mankato, MN. He was a charter employee of Lime Valley Advertising when it was established in 1988 and he purchased and incorporated the firm in 1996. Over the years Lime Valley has received numerous national awards for projects completed for its service industry clients. In 2017, Lime Valley acquired VoyaguerWeb.

He is a two-time recipient of the International Award of Merit from the International Association of Printing House Craftsmen along with a Gold award in the organization's Gallery of Superb Printing. Brian serves as chair of the graphic communications advisory board at South Central College and the technology, art and design board at Bemidji State University. Most recently Brian was honored with the Outstanding Alumni award from Bemidji State University.

Brian started working with the Boy Scouts in the 1990s as an engineering Explorer post volunteer for the Twin Valley Council. In 2003 he began volunteering on the Twin Valley Council’s marketing committee.

Brian has held the position of the vice president of marketing on the council’s executive board since 2006. In this position he lends his marketing expertise to the council. His agency also contributes to the Boy Scouts through in-kind donations. Brian has also received the Silver Beaver Award.

Dr. Don PutzierMankato Clinic

Don grew up in Colorado and attended Colorado State University where he met his wife of 34 years, Stephanie. Don and Stephanie attended the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and were physicians for eight years in the United States Navy. They have been in Mankato for 25 years, practicing with the Mankato Clinic. Don is a pediatrician and serves as division chair for pediatrics and family practice. His wife is an internist with the clinic. Their Eagle Scout son, Eddie, is an Army Intelligence officer and is married to Makenzie. Their daughter Leslie, is a registered nurse and married to Ryan.

Don has served on the local hospital board of directors, chairman of the Minnesota Walk to Emmaus board, and board member for the March of Dimes. He has been involved at Hilltop United Methodist Church as missions chair, worship committee member, pastor-parish committee member, technology chair, and Administrative Council chair. He has traveled to Red Bird Mission in Kentucky twice to help prepare camp facilities for children. Don has been a member of the local Rotary Club for 23 years, serving as club president, newsletter editor, and webmaster. In 2013, he traveled to India with a group of Rotarians from the U.S. and Canada to immunize children for polio in slums near New Delhi.

Don assumed a role as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 29 in North Mankato in 2003 and continues in that role today. He has served as medical director for Camp Cuyuna for the past 9 years, revising medical protocols and assisting with questions which may arise regarding health issues for the campers. Don is a Brotherhood member of the OA.

This is sure to be a special evening. If you wish to place an ad honoring one of these fine men, please see the link below.